Propane cylinders fail occasionally, usually at the valves and fittings. Propane gas is heavier than air, and it can collect and settle into any open-topped container. Lockers, cabins, engine compartments, and boat hulls can contain “pools” of propane, just waiting for a spark.

So pools of loose propane sitting in the boat…that’s bad, see? I just wanted to make sure that was clear!

Storing propane cylinders properly anywhere, but especially aboard a boat, means providing overboard venting. If a cylinder fails, we want the gas to end up outside the hull.

If, like me, you’ve decided to refill your disposable 16-ounce propane cylinders, you want to make sure you don’t just chuck ‘em into a locker someplace for storage. They need to be in a locker that vents overboard. This is not optional.

If you don’t have a locker like that, you might make one. Navagear reader Bob Heselberg was kind enough to send a photo of his own propane cylinder storage solution. In his own words…

One piece of 4 inch plastic pipe with couple of hose clamps and a blocker at the bottom becomes a propane storage locker.  Holes drilled at certain spots provide vents if the 16oz containers leak. Make it as long as how many containers you want to stow. 

Bob H

Thanks, Bob! I’d add that the vent holes ought to be oriented on the outboard side. Even better, they would be connected to a hose to act as a “downspout”, containing the gas until it is below (and outside, of course) the gunnel.

Even more thorough would be to include a cap one the top of the “locker”, to ensure that fast-escaping gas was all directed down through the vent and overboard. Otherwise, a portion of it could “spill” out through the top, and might collect in the cockpit or hull.

I’m interested in hearing about other creative, inexpensive propane storage solutions. Send ‘em my way!